1. Swap Plastic Sandwich Bags for Reusable Ones

1. Swap Plastic Sandwich Bags for Reusable Ones

Most of us mindlessly toss plastic sandwich bags like it's nothing. We're here to tell you that's just not cool. There are greener alternatives, like <a href="https://www.lunchskins.com/pages/paper-sandwich-snack-bag" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lunchskins</a>, a snazzy company that fashions all shapes and sizes of reusable pouches in feisty grease-resistant papers for sandwiches and other foods. The papers are BPA- and toxin-free and feature food-safe ink. We also dig the artisan-made <a href="http://www.reuseit.com/reuseit-artisan-made-sari-sandwich-wrap.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sari Sandwich Wraps from Reusit</a>.

1. Swap Plastic Sandwich Bags for Reusable Ones

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Most of us mindlessly toss plastic sandwich bags like it's nothing. We're here to tell you that's just not cool. There are greener alternatives, like <a href="https://www.lunchskins.com/pages/paper-sandwich-snack-bag" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lunchskins</a>, a snazzy company that fashions all shapes and sizes of reusable pouches in feisty grease-resistant papers for sandwiches and other foods. The papers are BPA- and toxin-free and feature food-safe ink. We also dig the artisan-made <a href="http://www.reuseit.com/reuseit-artisan-made-sari-sandwich-wrap.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sari Sandwich Wraps from Reusit</a>.

2. Swap Plastic Food Storage for Glass Containers

2. Swap Plastic Food Storage for Glass Containers

Plastic containers inevitably end up stinky, warped or with funky stains, which is not the only reason you should be replacing yours — they're bad for the landfill. There are tons of gorgeous glass bowls with lids on the market. We're partial to <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/fleur-glass-bowls-with-lids-set-of-6/s458561" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this set from Crate & Barrel</a> that sports a sweet floral motif and is heat-resistant and freezer-safe.

2. Swap Plastic Food Storage for Glass Containers

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Plastic containers inevitably end up stinky, warped or with funky stains, which is not the only reason you should be replacing yours — they're bad for the landfill. There are tons of gorgeous glass bowls with lids on the market. We're partial to <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/fleur-glass-bowls-with-lids-set-of-6/s458561" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this set from Crate & Barrel</a> that sports a sweet floral motif and is heat-resistant and freezer-safe.

3. Swap Paper Towels for Reusable Ones

3. Swap Paper Towels for Reusable Ones

Stop reaching for a disposable paper towel for every single spill. Opt for <a href="http://www.bambooee.com/About.aspx" rel="noopener" target="_blank">reusable Bambooee</a>. Each sheet in this 20-paper bamboo roll is strong and absorbent. You can wash one sheet of Bambooee 100 times before it's ready to toss! And by wash, we mean in the washer. That's how strong this paper is. Or check out the <a href="http://www.theunpapertowel.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Unpaper Towel</a>, a similarly excellent eco product.

3. Swap Paper Towels for Reusable Ones

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Stop reaching for a disposable paper towel for every single spill. Opt for <a href="http://www.bambooee.com/About.aspx" rel="noopener" target="_blank">reusable Bambooee</a>. Each sheet in this 20-paper bamboo roll is strong and absorbent. You can wash one sheet of Bambooee 100 times before it's ready to toss! And by wash, we mean in the washer. That's how strong this paper is. Or check out the <a href="http://www.theunpapertowel.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Unpaper Towel</a>, a similarly excellent eco product.

4. Ditch Plastic Straws for Paper Ones

4. Ditch Plastic Straws for Paper Ones

Single-use plastic is a particularly nasty form of plastic, so says this <a href="https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/straws-why-they-seriously-suck/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">terrific article</a> on the subject that proves straws really suck. A few facts: In the US alone, 500 million straws are used every single day. These are used for 20 minutes or before they're tossed, only to hang around the planet forever. The BPA products eventually end up maiming and/or killing marine life. Instead, choose a fully biodegradable straw like <a href="http://www.greenmunch.ca/jumbo-smoothie-paper-straws-black-stripes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this green brand</a> for your next shindig. The paper straws come in both dapper black and yellow stripes.

4. Ditch Plastic Straws for Paper Ones

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Single-use plastic is a particularly nasty form of plastic, so says this <a href="https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/straws-why-they-seriously-suck/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">terrific article</a> on the subject that proves straws really suck. A few facts: In the US alone, 500 million straws are used every single day. These are used for 20 minutes or before they're tossed, only to hang around the planet forever. The BPA products eventually end up maiming and/or killing marine life. Instead, choose a fully biodegradable straw like <a href="http://www.greenmunch.ca/jumbo-smoothie-paper-straws-black-stripes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this green brand</a> for your next shindig. The paper straws come in both dapper black and yellow stripes.

5. Swap Plastic Water Bottles for a Forever Vessel

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5. Swap Plastic Water Bottles for a Forever Vessel

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Photo Credit: Chapters Indigo

You've probably heard this a dozen times: plastic water bottles are a scourge to the environment. People rarely recycle them, so they end up in a landfill or choking marine life. The Council of Canadians, a non-profit social action organization, reports bottled water is almost 2,000 times more energy intensive to produce than tap water. Check out the facts <a href="https://canadians.org/sites/default/files/publications/bott%20water%20they%20say%20we%20say.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>. Choose a stylish forever bottle instead, like <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/house-and-home/swell-retreat-water-bottle-17oz/814666028243-item.html?ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this chic and portable floral vessel</a> from Chapters Indigo.

5. Swap Plastic Water Bottles for a Forever Vessel

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You've probably heard this a dozen times: plastic water bottles are a scourge to the environment. People rarely recycle them, so they end up in a landfill or choking marine life. The Council of Canadians, a non-profit social action organization, reports bottled water is almost 2,000 times more energy intensive to produce than tap water. Check out the facts <a href="https://canadians.org/sites/default/files/publications/bott%20water%20they%20say%20we%20say.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>. Choose a stylish forever bottle instead, like <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/house-and-home/swell-retreat-water-bottle-17oz/814666028243-item.html?ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this chic and portable floral vessel</a> from Chapters Indigo.

Photo Credit: Chapters Indigo

6. Ditch Energy-Guzzling Appliances for Smart Ones

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6. Ditch Energy-Guzzling Appliances for Smart Ones

Did you know an Energy Star-certified washing machine uses 25% less energy, on average, than a standard model, and 45% less water? Now that's incentive to get rid of your energy-sucking waster. We like this efficient <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-4-7-cu-ft-High-Efficiency-Top-Load-Washer-with-PowerWash-Cycle-in-White-MVWB765FW/300255072" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Maytag top loader</a>. For others, check out this list of 75 different Energy Star-rated appliances <a href="http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/energystar/why-buy/13631" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.

6. Ditch Energy-Guzzling Appliances for Smart Ones

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Did you know an Energy Star-certified washing machine uses 25% less energy, on average, than a standard model, and 45% less water? Now that's incentive to get rid of your energy-sucking waster. We like this efficient <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-4-7-cu-ft-High-Efficiency-Top-Load-Washer-with-PowerWash-Cycle-in-White-MVWB765FW/300255072" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Maytag top loader</a>. For others, check out this list of 75 different Energy Star-rated appliances <a href="http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/energystar/why-buy/13631" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.

7. Swap Paper Napkins for Stylish Cloth Ones

7. Swap Paper Napkins for Stylish Cloth Ones

Switch single-use paper napkins for good-looking cloth versions. We love these 100% cotton <a href="https://www.westelm.com/products/hand-blocked-geo-napkins-e1464/?pkey=e%7Ccloth%2Bnapkins%7C26%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C5&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hand-blocked geo napkins</a> from West Elm that you can reuse — just don't mop up beet juice with these babies. Or you can channel your inner Earth Mama and make your own fabric napkins (and towels) out of scraps like <a href="https://ifonlytheywouldnap.net/tag/cloth-napkins/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this crafty blogger</a> did.

7. Swap Paper Napkins for Stylish Cloth Ones

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Switch single-use paper napkins for good-looking cloth versions. We love these 100% cotton <a href="https://www.westelm.com/products/hand-blocked-geo-napkins-e1464/?pkey=e%7Ccloth%2Bnapkins%7C26%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C5&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hand-blocked geo napkins</a> from West Elm that you can reuse — just don't mop up beet juice with these babies. Or you can channel your inner Earth Mama and make your own fabric napkins (and towels) out of scraps like <a href="https://ifonlytheywouldnap.net/tag/cloth-napkins/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this crafty blogger</a> did.

9. Swap Harsh Cleaners for Earth-Friendly Ones

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9. Swap Harsh Cleaners for Earth-Friendly Ones

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Homemade cleaning supplies are the best. Toxin-free, all-purpose and inexpensive, there really is no reason to use environmentally damaging chemicals. Try baking soda — check out 10 unusual ways to use it <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/blog/surprising-uses-for-baking-soda-28591/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a> — vinegar or Borax, an old-fashioned, non-toxic product people have been using for a century now. You can clean carpets, sinks and toilets with the stuff and even use it to deter mice. Here's more <a href="https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/uses-for-household-borax" rel="noopener" target="_blank">on the subject.</a>

9. Swap Harsh Cleaners for Earth-Friendly Ones

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Homemade cleaning supplies are the best. Toxin-free, all-purpose and inexpensive, there really is no reason to use environmentally damaging chemicals. Try baking soda — check out 10 unusual ways to use it <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/blog/surprising-uses-for-baking-soda-28591/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a> — vinegar or Borax, an old-fashioned, non-toxic product people have been using for a century now. You can clean carpets, sinks and toilets with the stuff and even use it to deter mice. Here's more <a href="https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/uses-for-household-borax" rel="noopener" target="_blank">on the subject.</a>